September 6th - The Ropes Course

The day before yesterday (Saturday, September 6th) our cohort went to the Quaker Hill Ropes Course in McCall Idaho. Three professors were with us as well, making a total of eight people, five men and three women. The setting was in the pine forests of Idaho and the day was beautiful. There sun was warm, the air cool and clear, there were relaxing sounds of birds calling, squirrels chattering, and all around was a wonderful aroma of the great out doors.

The ropes course was designed to put us in a place where we were out of context and would be forced to rely on each other and go a bit beyond ourselves. The activity was also designed to bring our newly formed group together at the beginning of our MBA program in an effort to draw us together and help us get to know each other a little better.

Without giving away the details of the course for any future participants, it was a great experience. We were put in situations to have to trust one another, making our way through and over obstacles, and across stretches steel cables at varying heights above the ground. There were several main takeaways from this trip for me.

The experience allowed us to see each other as people instead of just classmates. Barriers between student and instructor were broken down as each had to rely on one another. We were able to see each other's strengths and weaknesses, fears, and true personalities. We were forced to deal respectfully with a much reduced personal space as we pushed, pulled, and held on to each other to complete the elements of the course. Seeing and interacting with one another as human beings instead of students and instructors, allowed us to build a foundation of trust and concern for each other.

The experience allowed me to go beyond my own capabilities by forcing me to deal with my fears head on and in front of others. I've always been a little fearful of heights, ever since I was a kid. I've done quite a bit of hunting with my Dad and overcome a lot of that, however in these exercises I had to just suck it up and get it done, even though it was scary. Dealing with fear in front of other also forces you let go of pride, take off masks, and become transparent (in some cases, whether you like it or not - knocking knees at 50 ft above the ground are hard to hide).

The experience allowed me to put myself in the hands of others. There was one obstacle upon which I was worried more about my team than myself. Because of my size I was concerned about the extra effort they were going to have to exert, on my account. This was humbling, but also very encouraging as I saw them take on the challenge without even a hesitation. Quicker than a flash, I was up and over. Wow, what a great team! It also forced other people to do the same thing and rely on myself and the rest of the team. I felt honored to be able to serve those in my group in this way. I also felt supported by my team and encouraged when it was difficult. In one particular situation, when I was climbing a tall tree, I was immediately encouraged by clapping, cheering, and encouragement by those on the ground - and I wasn't even on the hard part yet! I remember thinking how surprised I was at the feeling of encouragement that came over me when the team was cheering me on. The encouragement was simple: "you can do it!" and "great job!", very simple - yet very powerful.

Another aspect of the experience that I enjoyed was getting to know my team members a little better. I had great conversation on the way there, during the various challenges, and coming home. My respect for my teammates had changed from an unknowing sort of mysterious respect, to a respect that comes from knowledge of their hearts to serve and help, out of their willingness to put aside their own pride and be vulnerable and trusting, and out of the things we learned about each other's goals, jobs, hopes, and desires. I enjoy getting to know people and I know this activity helped me connect with my team on a real and personal level.

Lastly, I was very impressed by the willingness of my instructors to jump right in and take on this challenge with the rest of us. I was curious to see how their true personalities would come out. Would they sit back and watch or would they jump in and be part of the team; would they allow themselves to be vulnerable and their humanity to be open to inspection; would they take a true leadership role in encouragement, concern for others, and desire to see their students succeed? I was wanting to see their victory, not only for their success, but (maybe selfishly) because my success would hinge so intricately upon their character and leadership. As I put myself in their worthy hands to help mold and mentor me through this program, I wanted to know if I was in good hands. Fortunately, and blessedly, I found my instructors to have depth of character, demonstrate leadership in the face of their own fears, and prove themselves capable of maintaining an other's centered focus. It was clear that their goals were to see us succeed, and perhaps that was the most important thing I learned. To know that I have partners in this program and in my own personal success is very encouraging and gives me confidence that it will be a valuable stepping stone in my life's work. For that, I am grateful.